CBS: 17,600 new trees planted in Israel in 2005

By JPOST.COM STAFF
In advance of Tu Bishvat, the Central Bureau for Statistics has released data about the agriculture in Israel. During 2005, 17,600 trees were planted throughout Israel. The planting of citrus trees grew by 20 percent, most likely due to the increase in exports of the fruits. Pomegranate trees also saw a rise in planting figures, by 10%. On the other hand, peach and nectarine tree planting dropped by 60%, and no pear trees were planted at all. CBS said that the average family spends NIS 329 a month on fruits and vegetables, NIS 30 of which goes toward dried fruits. In 2005, the cost of raisins dropped by 1.9%, although the prices of hazelnuts and almonds rose by more than 10%.